[Loukas]

Sam Smith has been announced as the winner of the Brits Critics' Choice Award 2014.

The singer-songwriter beat Ella Eyre and Chlöe Howl to claim the prize, voted for by music industry experts. 21-year-old Smith recently signed a deal with Capitol Records and his debut album is expected in the spring. His debut single 'Money On My Mind' will be released in February, when he will also headline his own tour. Smith featured on Disclosure's breakout hit 'Latch' and went on to work with Naughty Boy on the number one single 'La La La'.

Last year's Brits Critics' Choice winner Tom Odell will present Smith with his award during the 2014 nominations announcement on January 9, broadcast at 10.35pm on ITV.The standalone show will be hosted by Nick Grimshaw and will feature a number of performances including one from Smith.

Past winners of the Critics' Choice Award include Adele, Florence and the Machine, Ellie Goulding, Jessie J and Emeli Sandé.

Source - Digital Spy

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